Once much-loved, the toy rabbit Tock, is now
relegated to the donations box with other unwanted toys. Life for him started
as a gift for the very young Sam and continued through WW1. Together, they
baked biscuits for soldiers at the Front.
Tock was then gifted to Flynn who lay in an iron
lung in hospital. His presence assisted in Flynn’s recovery as they shared imaginary
adventures together to pass the time.
It was V-Day when Tock fell from Flynn’s hand as
they watched the celebrations at the window. Life moved on when Max found him.
Tock continued to be loved by person after person, filling their needs; to then
be re-homed and loved anew.
Until, Elyse
grew up. She moved away and took
everything with her. Except me.
This picture book is more than just that. It is a
timeline of world events which are juxtaposed with the changes and movement of
Tock’s life. Wars and other significant happenings reaffirm the passing of time
and Tock’s increased age and condition.
Belinda Landsberry’s almost fragile illustrations
are stunning. The continuous use of blue
which begins and ends from covers and end pages, reflect the tenderness
and heart-warming emotions shared between the toy and each owner.
Themes of ageless love, random acts of kindness,
and letting go in various forms, sustain the story from beginning to end.
The analogy between human life and Tock’s life has
a very strong presence here. Reflections on how people begin young and grow old,
with their value and usefulness, like the toy, often determined by their age,
lie like shadows within the text. Their experiences are landmarks in their lives,
which at times are set aside and forgotten with the passing of time.
Children will associate emotions tied to their
favourite toys with Tock’s story. They may even question what these world
events are about and seek to learn more about the history that built their
world. There are endless possibilities hidden in this well-constructed and
beautifully illustrated book.
Title:
Once, I was Loved
Author/
Illustrator: Belinda Landsberry
Publisher:
EK Books, $24.99
Publication
Date: October 2019
Format:
Hardcover
ISBN:
9781925820027
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book